OMIYAGE (お土産)

Inspired by the work of Japanese photographer Masataka Nakano, widely recognized on Instagram for capturing atmospheric urban scenes across Tokyo, Okinawa and Kumamoto. I have been following the photographer for many years, and he has been kind enough to let me use his photographs as source material for these pieces. The collaboration comprises of 12 individual matchbox paintings mounted on Observer guidebook covers, each matchbox is inspired by one of Masataka's individual photographs. Although I have not had the opportunity to travel to Japan myself, Masataka’s street scenes have somehow transported me to these places and inspired me to bring them to life in my studio, in the form of these tiny matchbox scenes.